On Monday, January 26 (6 Bahman 1404), Ali Kebriyaei Zadeh, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka, held talks with Mr. Munir Mulafer, Deputy Minister of Culture, Buddhism and Religious Affairs of Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed more than four decades of continuous activities by Iran’s Cultural Attaché Office in Sri Lanka, as well as bilateral cultural and religious cooperation between the two countries. The role of the Cultural Attaché in introducing Iranian art and intellectual thought was also discussed. In light of current conditions, both parties emphasized the need to make better use of existing capacities, particularly mutual public awareness between the two nations as a fundamental basis for cooperation.

They also underlined the importance of existing bilateral agreements, including the Cultural, Artistic, Scientific and Educational Exchange Program signed between the two countries, which remains valid until 2028, as well as the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of cinema between Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Munir Mulafer referred to the structure of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Culture and Buddhism, which consists of two main sections—religious and cultural. He expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation extended by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the government and people of Sri Lanka during critical periods. He added that if the Cultural Section of the Iranian Embassy is prepared, the ministry would pursue arrangements to facilitate the screening of Iranian films suitable for children and adolescents in Sri Lankan schools. He also noted the possibility of holding cultural and artistic exhibitions in galleries.

Kebriyaei Zadeh stated that one of Iran’s key strengths and innovations in film production lies in its adherence to religious and cultural values shared by value-based societies and its alignment with authentic indigenous and religious traditions. He noted that, provided the necessary groundwork is in place, the Cultural Attaché Office sees no obstacle to screening Iranian films in schools, organizing cultural and artistic exhibitions, and implementing the provisions of the important cultural, artistic, scientific and educational cooperation agreements. He added that cooperation is already underway with the National Film Corporation and that several joint programs have been planned.